Hogg plans decision before senior season

Plano (Texas) West small forward D.J. Hogg built up a reputation as being a great shooter throughout his high school career, and his play in the Nike EYBL has done nothing to damage that. So it shouldn't be a surprise that schools from all over the country covet the 6-foot-7 forward.

In the past year, Hogg has made several unofficial visits to in-state schools such as Baylor, SMU, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M.

Baylor seems to have caught the attention of Hogg early on, especially after the Bears received a verbal commitment from King McClure last month.

"I like a Baylor a lot. Scott Drew is a great coach. I like his coaching staff. One of my teammates, King McClure, is already committed there, and we've talked about playing together there."

The opportunity to play on the wing at Texas and follow in a long line of successful wings appeals to Hogg.

"I like Texas. Rick Barnes has built a great program. I like the way he uses his guards. They have great big men, and I'm not really looking to play the 'four' in college, so that's a plus."

Larry Brown's long history of success in both college and the NBA hasn't gone unnoticed by Hogg. He believes the hall of fame coach could help him reach his dream if he chooses to be a Mustang.

"SMU, I like them too. Larry Brown is a great coach. He would know what to do to help me eventually make it to the NBA."

UCLA's history of winning and sending players to the NBA, combined with the bright lights of Los Angeles, are a draw for Hoog.

"UCLA is a school that has always produced great players. I like UCLA. The opportunity to play in L.A. would be cool. They have a good coaching staff too."

Not many coaches have recruited better than Arizona head coach Sean Miller in recent years. Hogg's relationship with Miller is a big part of his interest in the Wildcats program.

"I like Arizona a lot. It's a great school. I talk to Coach Miller every now and then. We're building a relationship. He's really cool. He seems like a good coach. I've watched them play a lot and they always have good guards."

It won't be long before Hogg starts making cuts to his list and starts moving towards making a decision.

"I'll probably cut down my list after Peach Jam [July 16-20], take my visits in the fall, and decide before high school season starts. The coaching staff will be important because I want a staff that will push me and help me make the NBA."